PRESS RELEASE

BURNSVILLE, Minn. – The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference released the 2024-25 Women’s Basketball Preseason Coaches’ Poll today with the Northern State Wolves picked second behind defending NCAA Division II National Championships Minnesota State. Northern earned 184 points and three first place votes in the poll. In addition, Northern State junior Madelyn Bragg was picked not only as the team’s player to watch, but as the NSIC Preseason Player of the Year.

The Wolves went 20-9 overall and 16-6 in the Northern Sun, finishing fourth in the league standings in 2023-24. They recorded big home victories against Minnesota Duluth, No. 14 Minnesota State, Winona, and Augustana, and closed out the season ranked top-5 in the NSIC in scoring, scoring defense, field goal percentage, field goal percentage defense, free throw percentage, and assist/turnover ratio. Rianna Fillipi and Madelyn Bragg earned All-Conference honors, as the pair led the team in numerous categories.

KRUEGER’S THOUGHTS HEADING INTO 2024-25:

• On the team: “What excites me most about this upcoming season is the blend of talent, experience, and fresh energy on our roster. Coming off a successful year, we’re building on that momentum while integrating seven new players, including two experienced transfers who bring a wealth of knowledge and competitiveness to our team. Equally important, we have seven returning players who provide a solid core and strong leadership, which will be crucial in helping our newcomers adjust. The chemistry is already forming, and the combination of seasoned returners and new additions brings versatility and depth at every position. I’m excited to see how these players mesh, elevate our play, and push us to new heights.”
• On Bragg: “After a solid season last year, Madelyn has emerged as a leader for us on both ends of the floor. As she continues to develop her game, Madelyn is poised to be a major contributor and is expected to make an even bigger impact on our team this season.”

NSIC coaches rank each team from 1 to 14 with a first-place vote receiving 14 points, second place 13, third place 12, etc. Coaches do not rank their own team or vote for their own players in the preseason poll.

The NSIC regular season championship will be based on the 22-game schedule. Each team will play eight teams twice and another six teams once. An NSIC Champion will be awarded to the team with the highest win percentage in the 22 games played. The 2024-25 women’s basketball season gets underway in early November with non-conference action, while NSIC play begins Tuesday, November 26.

The 12-team NSIC Women’s Basketball Tournament Quarterfinals, Semifinals and Championships are set to take place March 1-4 at the Sanford Health Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The top four seeds will receive a first-round bye. First round games will be played on campus on Wednesday, Feb. 26.

To see the complete NSIC Preseason Poll and Players to Watch, click on the following link:

https://northernsun.org/news/2024/10/3/2024-25-nsic-womens-basketball-preseason-coaches-poll.aspx